McLaren and Red Bull address Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri Silly Season speculation

Rumours swirled through the paddock during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend suggesting Red Bull could target the McLaren driver, particularly as Formula 1’s “silly season” erupted unusually early in 2026.

But on Friday in Montreal, Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies shut down the speculation and made clear the team has no intention of changing its current line up around Verstappen.

When asked about the Piastri rumours, Mekies told reporters: “We have a very, very strong driver line-up, and the driver choice is not a question that we are asking ourselves right now. We have Max, nobody needs to present Max. He is pulling us up through a fairly complicated start of the season.”

Verstappen has again carried much of Red Bull’s challenge during a difficult opening phase to the campaign, with the reigning champions struggling to consistently match Mercedes and McLaren pace.

Mekies also defended Isack Hadjar, who has faced pressure after an inconsistent run of performances: “Isack is doing a very, very good job. He has been dealing extremely well with a complicated car in the first three races, being very close to Max.

“He had a bit of a more difficult weekend in Miami, but we can see here straight away he’s been in a good rhythm this morning. As far as we are concerned, we are super happy with the two guys behind the wheels," declared Mekies.

The speculation emerged after reports linked Piastri with Red Bull while McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella was also forced to deny rumours connecting him with Ferrari.

Stella insisted both he and Piastri remain fully committed to McLaren, where the Australian has established himself as one of the standout performers of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

The McLaren F1 boss explained: “When we think about Oscar, we couldn’t be happier. I think we are seeing the best Oscar in the cockpit and also a happy Oscar, and the best version of himself outside the cockpit.

“Great dynamics and relationship with Lando, and I think the team is in its strongest shape since I’ve been Team Principal. So definitely it’s very clear, the direction for maximum stability at McLaren," added Stella.

Word is that, after last season's title loss to Norris,  Piastri and his management team have been concerned that the Briton may be the favoured driver at Woking, afterall he is the reigning World Champion and been there longer

Whatever the case, the reality is that this edition of the F1 Silly Season will hinge on Max Verstappen's future with Red Bull. His decision will be the trigger for driver movements beyond this season and into the future. Watch this space!
(Reporting by Agnes Carlier in Montreal)